5 top tips how to reduce your Overhang!
Are you struggling with your C-section overhang?? Trust me when I tell you that no1.reason I see women because they want to get rid of their overhang! But first of all, what is the “Overhang” and what causes it?
The C-section overhang, is the bit of soft, sagging skin and fat that can hang over the C-section scar. It’s super common and completely normal but why does it happen?
🔍 Why It Happens:
Surgical Layering: A C-section cuts through skin, fat, fascia, and the uterus. These layers heal at different rates and in different ways, which can affect how the tissue lays.
Scar Adhesions: The scar can anchor the lower abdominal skin down, while swelling or soft tissue above it creates a little “shelf.”
Stretching During Pregnancy: The skin and fascia (connective tissue) have been stretched to their limit during pregnancy and don’t always bounce back immediately—or ever fully.
Core and Fascia Weakness: A weakened or separated abdominal wall (diastasis recti) can contribute to the overhang.
💛 Can It Go Away?
It can reduce with time, care, and support, but there’s no “quick fix.” Some women see big improvements, and for others, the overhang softens but remains. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means your body has a story. Accepting your body for what it has done, it grew a baby and birthed it so give yourself some grace! You are a strong mamma!
🧖🏽♀️ Ways to Support the Area:
Scar massage: This is my no1 tip if you want to loosen adhesions and improves tissue mobility
Core and pelvic floor rehab: Especially important after C-section as the scar can contribute to weak core engagement and make the overhang look worse.
Hydration & Nutrition: Supports skin elasticity and healing. Don`t underestimate the power of water and food in your recovery. Adding more Protein into your diet will help with scar healing as its the building blocks for new tissue, like the collagen production which is vital in scar healing.
Gentle movement & breathwork: Helps circulation and lymph flow.
Emotional healing: The overhang can hold trauma—be gentle with yourself and if you feel overwhelmed by your birth experience then make sure to reach out to a friend, family or professional who help you to offload some of that trauma, please never suffer alone.
